turma

Turma is a noun in Portuguese that denotes a group of people who share membership in or participate in a common activity. It is commonly used to refer to a class of students, as in a turma de alunos of a school, but it can also describe informal social groups such as a turma de amigos, a work turma, or a neighborhood crew. The term can indicate both a defined educational unit and a broader social cohort.

Etymology and sense development: The word comes from Latin turma, originally meaning a cavalry troop or squadron. Over time, Portuguese extended the meaning to encompass any organized group of people, with the educational sense becoming widespread in schools and universities.

Usage and nuance: In educational contexts, turma typically identifies the group of students sharing a timetable or year and is roughly equivalent to “class” in English. In Portugal and Brazil, it is common to say “turma da escola” or “turma de 2023.” The related word classe often refers more to the course or classroom itself, while turma emphasizes the social or cohort aspect. The diminutive turminha is used to express affection for a small, closely connected group.

Other senses: Historically, turma referred to a cavalry unit in Latin. In contemporary usage, it also designates any organized crew or team, such as a sports team, a project group, or volunteers working together.

Overall, turma highlights the social and cohort dimensions of a group, distinct from the more formal sense of a class as a course.